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July 28—It’s that time of year again — when parents are expected to bombard stores for one of the busiest back-to-school shopping events of the year: state sales tax holiday.

This year’s annual sales state tax holiday is July 31-Aug.1, just in time for the start of many Mississippi schools. Shoppers will be able to take advantage of the 7 percent tax break on most back to school items priced under $100.

Robbie Hales, owner of The Liberty Shop in downtown Meridian, said the store will have extended hours, a full staff and plenty of merchandise.

“We are looking forward to seeing a lot of folks and helping them get ready to go back to school,” Hales said. “We will have school uniforms, boots, shoes, t-shirts, jackets and accessories — just about anything connected to going back to school.”

According to an Associated Press article, former Sen. Walter Michel of Jackson, the leader of the sales tax holiday movement, said he’s pleased that many retailers have gotten into the spirit. Many are offering as much as 50 percent to 70 percent off covered items as they compete for shoppers.

However, Michel said describing the two-day shopping event as a “back-to-school tax holiday” prompts some confusion among shoppers.

“School supplies were never in the legislation,” Michel said. “The idea was to provide something so all shoppers would benefit and not limit it.”

The Associated Press article said Michel said it is time for lawmakers to revisit the law and add school supplies and other items.

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